Why Every College Athlete Needs a Legal & Business Strategy
The NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) era has fundamentally reshaped college athletics. Today's student-athletes are no longer just competitors—they are entrepreneurs. Whether you're negotiating contracts, managing your brand, or navigating compliance issues, proactive business planning is essential to protect your interests and secure your financial future.
At Hopkins Centrich, we view every athlete as the founder of a startup. Our mission is to empower you with comprehensive legal and strategic business services designed specifically to address the complexities of your unique entrepreneurial journey.
The New Era of Athlete Compensation: NIL and Revenue Sharing
Almost 70 years ago, an NCAA executive invented the term “student-athlete.” Why? To win a workers' compensation case brought by the family of a football player who died on the field. This term allowed colleges and universities to avoid liability, positioning athletes as students rather than employees. For decades, athletes generated millions for institutions without fair compensation, leading to increased calls for reform.
The NIL era officially began in July 2021, when the NCAA permitted student-athletes to profit from their own name, image, and likeness. Athletes could now endorse products, monetize social media, and benefit financially from their personal brands.
The collegiate athletics model changed irrevocably on July 1, 2025, with the landmark House v. NCAA decision. This settlement marked a seismic shift in athlete compensation, allowing institutions to directly share revenue with student-athletes for the first time and implementing a new national clearinghouse to oversee NIL agreements. This decision underscores the need for specialized legal counsel to navigate these complex changes effectively.
Today, for the first time in history, colleges and universities can directly pay athletes not only through NIL deals but also via revenue-sharing compensation that functions as a form of salary. This practice is transforming the structure of collegiate athletics and requires clear legal oversight. At Hopkins Centrich, we also serve high school and AAU athletes preparing to enter college sports, helping them plan strategically before signing any agreements that could impact future eligibility or earning potential.
Direct revenue sharing between institutions and athletes.
National clearinghouse oversight for agreements above $600.
Retroactive NIL payments to athletes from 2016–2024.
Greater transparency and fairness in athlete compensation.
Direct Institutional Revenue Sharing
Under the new rules, colleges and universities can directly compensate athletes from the revenue generated by their athletic programs. This change introduces new opportunities and complexities. Hopkins Centrich assists institutions and athletes in navigating this novel landscape, ensuring compliance, transparency, and equitable revenue distribution.
The House v. NCAA decision is transformative, allowing athletes to directly share in revenues generated by their athletic programs. Institutions now face increased responsibilities for equitable distribution, compliance, and transparent reporting, making expert guidance essential.
Strategic Business Planning for NIL Athletes
Like any business, your NIL success depends on smart planning. From branding to contracts and asset protection, we help you build a long-term strategy that safeguards your income, image, and career trajectory.
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Clear and comprehensive business planning.
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Proactive risk identification and management.
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Strategic financial planning and asset protection.
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Long-term career development and branding strategy.
Effective startup planning gives you clarity, structure, and long-term financial stability, just like any successful business venture.
Key Legal & Financial Components of NIL Business Planning
Contract Drafting and Negotiation
Contracts form the foundation of your business relationships. Every detail matters, from payment schedules and termination clauses to exclusivity rights and performance obligations. Hopkins Centrich ensures your NIL contracts are carefully reviewed, negotiated, and structured to protect your interests, safeguard your rights, and clearly outline each party's obligations. We help you avoid common pitfalls, such as ambiguities, hidden terms, and unfavorable clauses that could jeopardize your future earnings.
Robust contracts safeguard your career and future income potential. Thoughtfully structured contracts lay a solid foundation for trust, clarity, and long-term success.
Precise payment and performance terms.
Detailed termination and renewal clauses.
Strategic exclusivity and non-compete agreements.
Proactive oversight and review.
Protecting Your Name, Image, and Brand as an Athlete
Your name, image, and likeness are valuable assets. Protecting these assets requires proactive intellectual property management, including trademarks, copyrights, and licensing agreements. Our firm guides you through the complexities of IP law, ensuring your brand remains secure, marketable, and under your control. We provide counsel on strategic brand positioning and defend your IP rights against infringement and unauthorized usage.
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Trademark and copyright registration.
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Licensing agreements and strategic endorsements.
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Continuous monitoring and enforcement.
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Brand development strategies.
Effective IP protection secures your brand’s value and marketability. Proactive protection ensures your personal brand remains strong, recognizable, and profitable.
LLC & Business Entity Formation for Athletes
Establishing the appropriate legal entity—such as an LLC, corporation, or trust—is critical for tax efficiency, asset protection, and personal liability management. Our attorneys advise you on the optimal structure tailored specifically to your individual goals and circumstances. We help set up your legal entity, draft necessary governance documents, and provide ongoing compliance guidance to maintain your entity in good standing.
Customized entity structuring.
Comprehensive governance documentation.
Ongoing compliance support.
Strategic asset protection.
Proper entity formation ensures long-term protection and operational efficiency. Forming the right business entity creates a strong foundation for sustainable growth and financial security.
NIL Financial Planning & Tax Strategy
Sound financial planning ensures your earnings are protected and efficiently managed. Hopkins Centrich collaborates with financial advisors to create comprehensive financial plans addressing income management, tax strategies, investment opportunities, and wealth preservation. Proper financial structuring now helps you sustain success and financial security long after your athletic career ends.
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Tailored financial strategies.
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Tax-efficient planning and wealth management.
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Collaboration with financial advisors.
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Long-term financial stability strategies.
Strategic financial planning protects and enhances your financial well-being. A thorough financial plan safeguards your earnings, grows your wealth, and positions you securely for the future.
Risk Management and Compliance
Navigating the ever-changing regulatory landscape of college athletics is complex. Our proactive risk management strategies help you stay ahead of compliance issues, mitigating potential eligibility risks, reputational damage, or legal liabilities. We keep you informed and prepared for regulatory changes at the NCAA, state, and federal levels, protecting your career from inadvertent violations or penalties.
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Regulatory compliance monitoring.
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Risk assessment and management plans.
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Proactive eligibility protection.
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Crisis response strategies.
Effective risk management preserves your eligibility and professional reputation. Rigorous compliance and proactive risk management shield you from costly distractions and setbacks.
Litigation and Dispute Resolution
Conflicts and disputes are inevitable in business. Whether it’s disagreements with sponsors, breaches of contract, or infringement of your NIL rights, Hopkins Centrich aggressively represents your interests in litigation, arbitration, or mediation. We are experienced advocates who understand the urgency of protecting your rights and swiftly resolving disputes to minimize disruption to your career and brand.
Aggressive dispute representation.
Expert mediation and arbitration services.
Rapid conflict resolution strategies.
Comprehensive advocacy.
Swift resolution of disputes protects your business interests and athletic career. Hopkins Centrich’s proven approach to dispute resolution ensures minimal disruption and effective protection of your interests, reputation, and future earning potential.
How We Approach NIL Disputes and Legal Representation
At Hopkins Centrich, we approach litigation with strategic precision. Our philosophy prioritizes clarity, decisive action, and efficiency. We believe litigation must serve clear strategic objectives and always align with our clients' broader goals. Our attorneys meticulously prepare for every possible scenario, ensuring we're never surprised by developments or outcomes. Whether aggressively pursuing or diligently defending your interests, we communicate transparently, act swiftly, and ensure you're informed and prepared throughout every stage of litigation.
How We Help Athletes Avoid Predatory NIL Agreements
The NIL marketplace attracts predatory arrangements, including unfair financing agreements or exploitative sponsorship deals. Hopkins Centrich educates you on recognizing and avoiding these harmful agreements. We carefully vet proposals and provide strong advocacy to ensure fairness, transparency, and your long-term financial security.
Strong oversight prevents financial exploitation and ensures fair treatment. Hopkins Centrich’s proactive approach ensures you enter only beneficial agreements that safeguard your long-term financial health.
Identification of predatory terms.
Negotiation of fair agreements.
Education on contract pitfalls.
Vigilant monitoring of agreements.
NIL Agreement Oversight and Compliance
The creation of a national clearinghouse means NIL deals over $600 must now pass evaluation for fair market value. Hopkins Centrich provides counsel to ensure your NIL agreements not only pass scrutiny but also secure optimal financial terms. We guide you through this compliance process, safeguarding your eligibility and financial interests.
We ensure your NIL agreements adhere to regulatory standards, achieve maximum value, and protect you from compliance violations. Our detailed review process and ongoing oversight provide you confidence and clarity in all your NIL ventures.
Recovering Compensation for Past NIL Use (2016–2024)
Athletes may now be eligible to receive compensation for past use of their NIL from 2016 through 2024. Hopkins Centrich helps you determine your eligibility for these payments, facilitating claims and securing your rightful compensation.
We thoroughly analyze your past NIL exposure, prepare precise documentation for claims, and aggressively advocate for your maximum recovery. Our meticulous process ensures you're fairly compensated for previous unauthorized use of your NIL.
How to Stay Ahead in the Evolving NIL Landscape
Colleges and universities across the country have already begun adapting aggressively to this new revenue-sharing model. Hopkins Centrich positions you ahead of these changes, ensuring you are well-informed, protected, and prepared for future developments.
We deliver strategic guidance and practical preparation, ensuring you understand and can effectively navigate the evolving collegiate athletics landscape. Hopkins Centrich’s forward-thinking counsel positions you proactively to take advantage of new opportunities and minimize potential risks.
Start Protecting Your NIL Future Today
You’ve earned your athletic opportunities through hard work and dedication. Protect what you’ve built by partnering with Hopkins Centrich—your strategic legal team committed to your ongoing success. Plan now. Protect tomorrow. Succeed always.
For decades, Hopkins Centrich has successfully guided companies as they start, scale, and sustain growth. Leveraging deep expertise in contracts, litigation, risk management, and strategic business planning, we now apply that extensive experience to support college athletes. We ensure every legal and business decision you make aligns seamlessly with your long-term success, offering comprehensive support throughout your athletic and professional journey. Contact Hopkins Centrich today for a personalized consultation and secure your future.
